What Your Skin Is Trying to Tell You

It may be time to switch up your beauty routine.

Seasonal changes, stress, hormones, and just plain old genetics all contribute to your skin's overall appearance. But often a sudden change (an onset of acne, for example) means there's something else going on beneath the layer. To help you get to the bottom of your issues, we chatted with a few experts. And here's what they had to say.

If your skin is greasy and oily...
You might have overactive sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum (a waxy substance that protects the skin from bacteria). And unfortunately, that means your face will appear shinier than usual. The worst part: You're probably part of the problem. When you over-exfoliate or use harsh cleansers, your glands start to overproduce oil to replace what you're removing.

THE FIX: Stop washing your face too much — once a day is enough. And when you do, use gentle products that clean without stripping away your natural oils completely, suggests Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D. Also make sure to look for cleansers that are designed specifically for your skin type.

If your skin is dry and flaky...
You may be having a bad reaction to harsh soaps with additives and deodorants. Over-scrubbing and over-exfoliating can also dry the skin out, says David E. Bank, M.D., FAAD, founder and director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, New York.

THE FIX: Skip washing up in really hot water, which is particularly drying. Instead, try a lukewarm temperature. Also, use an all-natural, non-foaming cleanser to maintain your skin's natural moisture barrier. And avoid alcohol-based products altogether. You only want to use products with ingredients that protect and hydrate skin.

If you have an uneven, reddish skin tone...
Your skin could be irritated from sun exposure, harsh cleansers, or even from a sensitivity to dyes or fabrics, says Bank. A more serious yet common condition is rosacea, which causes inflammation due to enlarged blood vessels under your skin. If you suspect you have it, consult a doctor immediately.

THE FIX: Skip cleansers with chemical ingredients like sulfates, which are really harsh on sensitive skin. And drink plenty of water and avoid hot showers, which can also irritate trouble areas.

If you suddenly get acne...
You hormone levels are probably fluctuating due to a life event including stress, pregnancy, or menopause, says Tanzi. And when this happens, your sebaceous glands enlarge and produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores.

THE FIX: Terese Linke, global spa training and education director for Amala, suggests using a gentle, non-drying cleanser in the morning and night. She also recommends light foundations, powders, and concealers because heavier formulas can block pores and lead to breakouts. You should also remove your makeup and wash your face before exercising and going to bed.

If you have normal skin...
Consider yourself lucky! According to both Bank and Linke, "normal skin" is very rare. It applies to those who do not have excessively dry or oily skin, an even skin tone, and smooth texture. While this skin type does not usually need corrective treatments, it is important to protect skin with sunscreen daily.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.